Weather balloon in wind, find displacement

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final displacement of a weather balloon that ascends 6 km vertically while being blown 10 km north and 8 km east by the wind. The solution involves using Pythagorean theorem in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. First, the horizontal displacement is calculated using the theorem to find the resultant vector on the ground, followed by incorporating the vertical movement to determine the overall displacement in three-dimensional space. A 3D drawing is recommended for better visualization of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition
  • Proficiency in Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic knowledge of three-dimensional geometry
  • Ability to interpret 3D drawings
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn vector addition in physics
  • Study Pythagorean theorem applications in three dimensions
  • Explore 3D visualization tools for geometric problems
  • Practice problems involving displacement in multiple dimensions
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching vector concepts, and anyone interested in understanding displacement in three-dimensional space.

steckona
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
1. A weather balloon travels upward for 6 km while the wind blows it 10 km north and 8 km east. Approximately what is its final displacement from its intial position?


I am not sure how to look at this. I know they are vectors which makes this a bit complicated and I know I have to use pythagorian's theorem but I just don't get how.

Please help :confused:
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Having reviewed the site rules, I have decided that my original post gave away too much.

First, take a bird's eye view, forget about the vertical movement, use pythagoras' theorem to find the movement over the ground (find the angle if you need it, too). Then, look at it from the side, consider the movement in the horizontal plane with the vertical movement, pythagoras it up again. The vertical angle can be found at this point if you need it.

A 3d drawing will be helpful.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K